When Yes, the definitive English progressive rock band, entered the studio with Eddie Offord to record the band's fifth studio album in mid-1972, their second with this lineup, the band was on something of a roll. Fragile, the band's previous album, had taken Yes to a new level of international popularity with Top 10 chart placement on both sides of the Atlantic & yielding a hit single in the USA with "Roundabout." The band was now established in the major music markets to an extent that was, perhaps, unexpected given the complexity of the music Yes performed. But with that popularity came a confidence that the expansive material of the two previous albums could be taken a stage further with the new recording. Rather than consolidating, Yes chose to innovate.

Recorded during lengthy sessions at London's Advision Studios, Close to the Edge is that rarity in recorded music, the sound of a band and its individual members writing, playing and recording at the peak of their collective abilities. The album was released in autumn 1972, reaching chart highs and platinum sales status of 4 in the U.K., 3 in the U.S.A. and No. 1 in Holland, although such statistics only hint at the worldwide popularity of the album over a period of more than four decades. The three pieces of music, the title track that spanned the entire first side of the vinyl album with "And You And I" and "Siberian Khatru" on side two, have remained concert favorites since the release, with the 2013 Yes lineup currently in the middle of a world tour stretching into the middle of next year that performs the album in its entirety.

The album remains the favorite among many of the band's legion of fans, a defining recording both for the band and for the progresssive rock movement. It is also one of the most successful British rock albums ever released.

Yes - Close To The Edge Blu-Ray Audio

posted on 09/11/20145 StarsReviewer: Mark Powers

This 5.1 is at the very least is my definitive Yes disc unless they come out with a hologram in my living room of the band playing live. The 5th album for Yes, remastered to 5.1 in 2013. Complicated little bugger as there are actually too many choices for me. I listened to the 2014 Stereo CD in my Ford with factory stereo and it sounded as good as I have ever heard. I listened to the 5.1 Surround mix on the home system and they nailed it, best I can say. I listened via the DTS mode in 5.1 and was stunning. The analog external out 5.1 was fantastic, just that the DTS had a bit more punch. With these two discs you have 8 ways of listening to the same thing, that's why a bit much for me. Paper package and liner notes are great. Onscreen audio setup and choices are easy. Steven Wilson did a spectacular job. Glad I have it. The Yes Album and this have very different onscreen formats, still easy, just made me wonder why.

Revelatory

posted on 07/08/20145 StarsReviewer: Catdaddy

I've bought this album in many formats, including the SACD. Though I am skeptical about any editions billing itself as "definitive," it is hard to argue here. Steven Wilson's 5.1 mix is gorgeous and revelatory - utterly true to the "feel" of the stereo mixes, yet revealing many layers of sound that were all too easy to miss. The BD includes so many past and present mixes of the album as to satisfy all but the most temperamental among us Yes fans. (Even the packaging is ideal, jewel-case sized and fitting right on your CD shelf.) Sorry, everybody: you are going to have to buy your favorite album again. For the love of Howe, I hope they issue "Tales from Topographic Oceans" in this format!